But Detroit Pistons power forward Blake Griffin is a better basketball player today, than he was five years ago, when he was terrorizing the NBA. He's also likely the best Detroit professional sports athlete today.

I understand that will come off as laughable for many. After all, Griffin hasn't displayed amazing athleticism since sustaining injuries that have robbed him of some of his explosiveness.

But what many seem to ignore is just how versatile he has become since those injuries. Griffin used to be a player that leaned on his superior athleticism, to overpower players or jump over them.

But if you were only to watch Griffin since he has been with Detroit, you would think you were watching a far different player -- one of the most versatile in the NBA.

Griffin will no longer jump over everyone, but he still finds his way through the lane with ease, displaying post moves with impressive footwork. What sets him apart now, is he has become the prototype power forward the league is in search of.

Griffin's decision making and developed shooting now has him in position to thrive in ways he never displayed before. Griffin was never a threat from all around the court with the Los Angeles Clippers. But with the Pistons, Griffin has become a confident shooter and playmaker.

In many ways, he's become the Pistons top scorer and passer, all while contributing on the glass and being the heart and soul of the team. It's been an impressive transition for Griffin to say the least, but has been inconspicuously overlooked by NBA experts.

Griffin is seen as a has been, when he is probably one of the top five players in the Eastern Conference. If he can continue to remain healthy, the sky is the limit for Griffin in today's NBA.

But that's a big question. Griffin has a long injury history and that will be a question mark going forward. But while he is on the court, it's clear the Pistons have a superstar in Griffin.

At 29-years-old, he doesn't appear on the decline. And with his shot developing, Griffin adds tremendous value to the Pistons in today's NBA. Now its up to new coach Dwane Casey to get Detroit's young, up and coming talent in position to compliment Griffin and possibly surprise the NBA.

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.